Today, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings lifted the outdoor mask mandate since Florida has reached a 50% ratio of vaccinated adults. It was only a matter of time before we heard operational updates from the state’s biggest theme parks.

Walt Disney World has just updated their health and safety guidelines; masks are no longer mandatory while outdoors at their theme parks, Disney Springs, and other outside areas, effective immediately.

In compliance with CDC guidelines, face masks are now only mandatory in “all indoor locations, except when actively eating or drinking while stationary and maintaining appropriate physical distancing. Face coverings are optional in outdoor common areas at Walt Disney World Resort, but are still required upon entering and throughout all attractions, theaters and transportation.”

This handy chart is now accessible on disneyworld.com:

, BREAKING WDW NEWS: Orlando Parks Dropping Masks Outdoors

They also updated their Experiences page reflecting the new policy change:

, BREAKING WDW NEWS: Orlando Parks Dropping Masks Outdoors

, BREAKING WDW NEWS: Orlando Parks Dropping Masks Outdoors

This major operational update is also effective at Universal Orlando Resort as of tomorrow. Masks are still required while indoors, and on attractions.

, BREAKING WDW NEWS: Orlando Parks Dropping Masks Outdoors

Update 5/14/21 9:15pm PST: SeaWorld has joined in the removal of masks from its parks, and taking it a step further than its competitors. In a statement from SeaWorld, the theme parks in Orlando and Texas will no longer be requiring masks, both for indoor and outdoor areas, as long as the guest is vaccinated. That said, the park will be utilizing an honor system for maintaining that maskless guests are vaccinated. SeaWorld does reiterate that face masks are required at its California location as mandated by state and local mandates. Read SeaWorld’s statement in its entirety below:

, BREAKING WDW NEWS: Orlando Parks Dropping Masks Outdoors


We know you Disneyland folks want to know how this will impact you. It doesn’t yet. Here’s what the park had to say:

Disneyland Resort’s current guidelines, which require all guests (ages 2 and older) and Cast Members to wear face coverings, remain in effect until further notice. Policies will be evaluated in accordance with state and local recommendations as soon as guidance is released.”

What do you think of this major change? 

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Chloé Ferreira
Chloé loves ‘90s EPCOT, roller coasters, kitschy dark rides, a good background area music loop, Hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.